Our Academic Approach
Our academic approach at 21CCCS can best be described as focused yet flexible. Between our unique staff-developed curriculum, extensive teacher availability, and cutting edge educational technology, our goal is to provide our students with the resources to earn a high-quality education. They are able to do this while maintaining the flexibility to pursue outside interests or overcome obstacles in their way. Being recognized for outstanding academic achievements in Pennsylvania, we are proud of our capacity to offer students an exceptional and personalized educational journey as one of the top cyber charter schools.
Download our Academic CalendarThe Curriculum
21CCCS staff develops our Pennsylvania Core Standards-aligned curriculum. Developing our own curriculum allows us to ensure that the course material suits our online learning environment and provides the highest quality. This process also provides us with the flexibility to modify the curriculum or assignments to meet individual student needs when necessary.
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The Academic Advisors
Our Academic Advisors track all of your student’s classes and communicate on a regular basis to ensure that the student receives guidance and instruction where needed.
The greatest benefits afforded in the relationship fostered between student and academic advisor are consistency and collaboration. The Academic Advisor will work with your student throughout their studies here at 21CCCS. Knowing a child over the years enhances student success through consistency of instructional, communication, and assistance styles. Students have the opportunity to share the entirety of their learning experience with a familiar guide who provides feedback on a regular basis.
Because the Academic Advisors are an educational advocate for each of their students, collaboration between content teachers is constant. Communication and teamwork have led to the development of a culture of cooperation among teachers within our PA cyber school. Students are no longer taught by one teacher, but by a team of teachers, each invested in seeing students succeed.
Take a Closer Look and Learn MoreThe Exceptional Learners Program
The Exceptional Learners Department works closely with families to ensure that individual students’ needs are met with the appropriate educational programs and services. The department provides monthly Parent Training Sessions on a variety of topics, such as Assistive Technology, the IEP Process, and Post-Secondary Transition Planning. Training sessions are held virtually and recorded for those who cannot attend live. Recordings of the sessions are posted on the Exceptional Learners Parent Resources Page.
21CCCS utilizes the following tools to meet the unique needs of exceptional students. Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list. As the needs of our students change, we are committed to exploring new and innovative ways to support student growth.
Notice of Special Education Services (2022)
Topics have included
- Progress Monitoring
- Transition Planning
- IEP Process
- Reading Comprehension
- Assistive Technology
- Differentiated Instruction
- Time Management
- Parental Involvement in the IEP Process
- Gifted Programming
- Extended School Year
- Autism and Transition
- ADD / ADHD
Programs we utilize include
- Text to Speech
- Speech to Text
- Electronic Dictionaries
- Audio Books (or books as PDF)
- Noise-Canceling Headphones
- Speech Recognition and Voice Over
- MacBook Universal Access
- Online Supplemental Math, Reading, Spelling, and Vocabulary Activities
Instructional Systems Design
The Instructional Systems Design team (ISD) is responsible for developing and maintaining the quality of all 21CCCS courses within the learning management system. The team is also charged with ensuring our students are utilizing the most up-to-date educational technologies to enhance student achievement. The ISD team works closely with the teaching staff to ensure course rigor and alignment to the Pennsylvania Core Standards. Team members evaluate teaching practices within the courses, implement improvements to the curriculum that translate to improved student achievement, and manage all areas of educational technologies within 21CCCS.
Technology
21CCCS students are provided with all the technology necessary to support online learning in our environment. Our faculty and staff work with students to help teach them the necessary computer skills for successful online learning. Teachers encourage students to utilize technology when completing assignments and integrate technology into learning.
Learn MoreNational Honor Society
The 21st Century Cyber Charter School holds an affiliation with both the high school chapter of National Honor Society for students in grades 10 through 12, and a junior chapter with the National Junior Honor Society for students in grades 6 through 9. Membership in both NHS and NJHS is about more than just achieving academic success. The students chosen to join these organizations exhibit outstanding performance in the areas of Scholarship, Service, Leadership and Character. These criteria form the foundation upon which this organization is built.
Students are selected after an application process, which is then presented to a board of judges to be evaluated. Upon selection, an induction ceremony is held, welcoming the newly chosen members. Students are required to help with service projects provided by the online high school and middle school each year, and attend certain events. NHS and NJHS members also meet bi-monthly to share how they maintain performance in the areas of Scholarship, Service, Leadership and Character.
Standardized Testing
21st Century Cyber Charter School is a tuition-free, Pennsylvania chartered, diploma granting public school. We abide by all standardized testing requirements and goals set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Standardized testing requirements vary by grade level, but include the PSSA’s and Keystone Exams.
21CCCS has the one of the highest academic performance among all cyber charter schools in Pennsylvania. We have made adequate yearly progress (AYP) seven out of eight years. We also have the one of the highest scores among all cyber charter schools in Pennsylvania on the School Performance Profile (SPP). We attribute this success to our academically rigorous curriculum, highly qualified teaching staff, supportive learning community, and hard-working student body.
To learn more about how we measure up to other online high schools and middle schools like us, take a look at the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Academic Reporting site. If there is additional information you would like, but cannot find on our page, please do not hesitate to contact our Enrollment Specialist today!
Assessment Calendar 21CCCS Academic Reports Contact An Enrollment SpecialistSummer School
Summer school courses are available to all Pennsylvania students. The courses are accessible 24/7 from any location with an Internet connection, and include support from live teachers. Students can use these courses to earn extra credits, gain flexibility, or get caught up if they are behind. Students must provide their own computer, software, and Internet connection.
Students may enroll online. Payment is accepted via Authorize.net.
Schools wishing to enroll students should contact summerschool@21cccs.org for registration and payment information.
Academic Calendar
21CCCS runs on a traditional academic calendar, with school beginning in late August and ending in early June. We also observe the same breaks and holidays as traditional public schools. Students are on full-year scheduling, so full credit courses run the entire length of the school year. Students transferring in mid-year on block scheduling can also be accommodated.
2024-2025 Academic Calendar